The Constitution of 1845 provided the government of Texas as a state in the United States. County officers were elected for two years by popular vote. The sheriff was not eligible to serve more than four years of any six.  

The term of office was lengthened to four years by a constitutional amendment in 1954.

The main duties of the sheriff are to act as a conservator of the peace and the executive officer of the county and district courts, serve writs and processes of the courts, seize property after judgment, enforce traffic laws on county roads, and supervise the county jail and prisoners. In counties of fewer than 10,000 residents he may also serve as ex officio tax assessor and collector.

Source: Texas State Historical Association